Indicating switch-button.



J. A. YORK. INDICATING SWITGH BUTTON. APPLICATION FILED FEB. 17, 1909.

Patented 0013.4, 1910.

2 SHEETSSHEET 1y Ill/VENTOH WITNESSES J. A.. YORK.

INDIGATING SWITCH BUTTON.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 17, 1909.

2 4 Patenfied Oct. 4, 1910.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Fi. Fig"- '7- Fig- 8 I INVE/WOR John York. I BY 7 JOHN A.,Yllt1, 0F FBAN'KLIN, CONNECTICUT.

INDIGA'IING SWITCH-BUTTON.

Specification of Letters @atent.

Patented @et. 4t, Maid.

Application filed February 17, 1909. Serial l lo. 'l llfl'fi.

To all whom ti may concern: t Be it known that 1, JOHN A. YORK, a citizen ofthe United States, and a resident of Franklin, in the county ofNew London and State of Connecticut, (whose post-oflice address is North Franklin, Connecticut,)

' have invented a certain new and useful Indicating Switch-Button, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, whereby any one skilled in the art may make and use the same.

The invention relates to indicators for switches. That is, a device which will visually show the position of the switch parts and show at a glance whether said parts are in closed or open circuit position.

It relates more particularly to a turn-or thumb button for actuating an electric switch, which not only serves as a means for operating the switch, but also has embodied therein an indicator automatically actuated to show the position of the switch parts when the switch button or operating means has been utilized to move the parts of the switch mechanism.

The objects of the invention are to provide for a certain and accurate indication of the position of the switch mechanism.

A further object is to provide an indicating mechanism applied to the switch handle or button.

A further object is to provide an indicating button or switch handle having an indicating device and also means for readily attaching and detaching the button and indicating device from the switch mechanism, at the same time providing a predetermined position of attachment of the switch button or handle with reference to the switch mechanism.

In the accompanying drawings Figure 1 denotes a'plan view of an ordinary rotary snap switch with the cover removed, a type of electrical device well-known in the art for making and breaking an electric circuit. Fig. 2 illustrates the switch mechanism shown in 'Fig. 1 in partial vertical section with the improved indicating switch button applied thereto. Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the switch button and appurtenant parts showing the indicator in the normal position. Fig. 4: is a similar view of the indicating mechanism illustrating the indicator in the position occupied after a movement of the button or handle and correspondingmovement of the switch parts. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the button or handle showin the indicator opening. Fig. 6 is a developed plan view.

of the housing of the indicator.. Fig. 7 is a side view showing the housing plate of Fig 6 partially bent to the form oithe housing. Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the housing with the parts bent into place. Fig. 9 illustrates in perspective the housing, indicator dial and operating mechanism unassembled. In: this figure, 9* shows the complete housing. 9 shows the indicator dial with one of the pivots broken away to illustrate the toggle connection with the opera ing yoke. 9illustrates the operating yoke. 9 illustrates the actuating ring for reciprocating the actuating yoke. 9 illustrates the clutch member of the, switch mechanism which interengages with the actuating ring and cooperates therewith toconnect the mechanisms or the switch button and switch. Fig. 10 is a rear face view of a flush plate illustrating the lugs for reciprocating the actuating ring and appurtenant parts. Fig. 11 is a sec- 0 tional view through the -plate illustrated in Fig. 10 showing the alternately raisedand depressed actuating lugs. Fig. 12 is a crosssectional view in detail through the threaded nipple and spindle. Fi 13 is a pen spective view with parts bro en away illustrating the top of the cap or cover and lugs which cooperate with the actuating mach anism for the indicator.

In switch mechanism, particularly those of the rotary snap switch type, it has been found desirable to inclose the switch mechanism with as nearly as possible a dustproof cover. When so inclosed, it is essential that the position of the switch parts be indicated so that the operator may know whether the circuit controlled by said switch is opened or closed.

It has been common practice to provide sight opening through the cover and arrange a dial which will rotate with the switch parts and indicate through the s ght opening whether the circuit is opened or closed. In many instances, such dials are attached to the cover whereby they are re movable and leave the various switch parts entirely uncovered and unobstructed, or theyhave been removably secured to the switch parts and connected with the switch bu or handle n such manner that the ha! might be removed and upon the removal of the cover, the switch dial or indicator could be taken out. 7

In devices of this type employing a switch button or handle, it has beenfound necessary to provide some form of spring connection, between the switch button and switch spindle, in order that the button would automatically take up inequalities and always fit closely against the switch cover, thereby holding the parts in place, preventing loose connections.

the inherent'featu-res of advantage, which' have heretofore existed-only, by combining various elements including a button w1th a spring connection and a removable dial cooperating therewith and either attached to the switch cover or removably attached to the switch parts.

The switch forms no part ofthe present invention, as obviously, the improved indicating button or handle may be ada ted to various forms of mechanism and sai mech-' anism is therefore only briefly described herein.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the numeral 1, denotes a switch base of insulating material upon which are mounted stationary contacts 2, 3, provided with means for attaching line wires thereto. The circuit terminatln in the stationary contacts 2 3, is opens or closed by the rotation of a switch-bar 4, suitably mounted upon an actuating spindle 5, and provided with locking and releasing mechanisms through which a rotation of the spindle 5, will cause a quick step-by-step movement of the contact bar 4, and make or break the circuit as the bar 4, engages the stationary contacts 2, and 3, (as illustrated in full lines in Fig. 1,) or occupies a position as illustrated in dotted outline in 'said figure.

Suitably positioned upon the spindle 5, is a threaded nipple 6, which is non-rotative with respect to the spindle 5, but has a slight axial movement thereon. This nipple is ordinarily held at the lower limit of its play by a spring 7, which is located intermediate the nipple and the head of the spindle. The nipple 6, is threaded to engage a cooperating thread 8, formed in the housing 9, of the switch button or handle and when said parts are screwed together, the handle is brought firmly, though resiliently, into engagement ,with the switch cover, the spring 7, providing the necessary tension to permit the parts to properly adjustthemselves as the button or handle is screwed down.

Surrounding the nipple and the end of the housing is a two-armed clutch member 10.

This is secured to the switch parts in predetermined position and forms one part of a clutch between the switch button and rotary switch mechanism. As illustrated herein, the clutch part 10,'i s formed to engage openings 11, 12, of an actuating ring 13, and prevent rotation of said ring 13, w1th respect to the switch button and switch mechanism,

except at such eriods as the switch mechanism is released to make its enga ing'or disengaging movement. The actuating ring 13, withln reasonable limits is free to reciprocate axially of they spindle and clutch member 10, and this axial movement of the ring The lower end of the button is pref-- Within the button 14, suitably secured as by molding or otherwise forming said button, is a housin 9, whichin practice-is preferably formed y stamping or blanking out a giece of metal, as illustrated in Fig. 6, provi ing cooperatin lugs 18, 19, which, when bentto form, as il ustrated in Figs. 7, 8, and 9, provide a tubular shank 20, which may be suitably threaded to engage a threaded nipple 6. A pair of tangs or lugs 21, 22, are also provided, which, when bent to form, as illustrated in Figs. 7, 8 and 9 form two sides of the housing 9. As the metal is blanked out, a sight opening 23, is formed centrally thereof, and pivot o enings 24, 2 5, are provided on opposite si es of said openin 23, in such position as to form a bearin or the indicator blade when the housing is formed to shape such as illustrated in Flg. 9.

Pivotally mounted in the housing 9, is an indicator blade 26, of somewhat peculiar form having pivot lugs 27, which have a bearing in the pivot openings 24, 25. Concentrically arranged with reference to the ivot lugs 27, is a blade 28, bearin suitable indications which may be observed through the sight opening 23, of the housing 9, and the openin 15, of the button. These indications may ue made by having a portion of the blade 28, of a light color followed by a dark color, or the words off and on might be printed thereon.

The pivoted member 26, has the indicat' in portion 28, concentrically formed'with re erence to the pivots 27, and as the housing I 9, is also curved to correspond to the curvature of the indicator plate, a close running fit is provided between the indicator plate actuating ring 13, and when released, spring switch mechanism by simply screwing the ring come into engagement with the the actuating ring is held against rotation.

'i and this insures tight dust- "ngernent, although the sight open- 1a, is, of curse, always open. At one side of the pivots there is a lug 29, which engages a recess 30, of correspon ding form in an. acnating yoke 31. This yoke 31, passes throngl'i a slot or opening 32, in the upwardly extending portion of the indicator plate and forms convenient means for tilting said indicator plate upon its pivots, whenever it is raised or loweredby an actuating ring 13.

The actuating yoke 31, is provided at the lower end of its two arms with openings 34, 35, which form a floating bearing for the actuating rjng 13. In assembling the parts, tbeactuating yoke is sprung slightly until its two arms pass through the opening of the outward with the notches 34, 35, engaging the inner edges of the ring 13. The opening through the ring 13, is of a suitable size to fit freely over the threaded shank of the housing and asthe arms, of the actuating yoke projectthrough the slotted openings of the shank, the actuating ring and various parts when assembled, form a most compact and simple structure which will give absolute certainty of action with reference to the indicating plate.

hen the'various parts above described haye been fully assembled in the switch button, said button may be attached to the threaded shank of the housing over the threaded nipple 6. As the button is screwed down, the openings 11, and 12, of the actuarms of the clutch member 10, and thereupon Normally, the ring 12, rests upon the upper surface of the cover 17 This cover has a central opening through which the spindle and about said opening are arranged lugs adapted to engage the floating ring and depress it or raise it as the switch mechanism rotated. As shown herein, the actuating ring 18, .is provided with a pair of pro jec'ting, lugs 36, 37, arranged in the same axial line.- 'The cover is also provided with a pair of lugs projecting above the surface of the cover and a pair of lugs projecting below the surface of the cover. These lugs are Ettl'til'lgbtl in pairs diametrically opposite cach'other and in such position that upon rotation of the switch mechanism, the lugs 3G, 37, of the actuating ring will first be brought into engagement with the upwardly extending lugs of the cover and said lugs having an inclined surface, the ring 13, will be depressed passing below the cover under the lugs. This'downward movement of the ring depresses the actuating yoke 31, which through its connection with the lug 29, swings theindicator 26, and thus moves the indicator plate 28, with respect to the sight opening 15. A further movement of the switch parts brings the lugs 36, 87, of the actuating ring 13, into contact with the inclined surfaces of the downwardly projecting lugs of the cover, and thereupon the ring 13, is forced upward through the cover opening raising the actuating yoke 81,-and correspondingly moving the indicator ate 28.

lit will be observed that all of t 1e various parts are loosely connected so that there is practically no chance of cramping or binding and yet the vertical movements of the actuating ring 13, will be positively transmitted to the indicator 26, always moving it in predetermined manner.

As the clutch member 10, is positively positioned on the switch mechanism with reference to the rotating switch blade 4, it isobvious that the ring 13, through its notches 11 and 12, must always engage the clutch member 10, in a predetermined manner and as the ring 13, floats with reference to the actuating yoke, the button may be screwed down without interfering with the engagement of the clutch member 10, and actuating ring. The ring 13, being held against rotation by the clutch member 10, can only rotate when the switch parts move and during said movement is depressed or raised as its lugs 36, 37 engage the inclined surfaces of one or the other of the pairs of lugs of the cover.

In Figs. 10 and 11, there is shown a form of cover such as is employed in flush switches. -This plate, of course, rests against the wall, covering the opening in which the switch box and switch mechanism are arranged. It has a central open ng 50, sub stantially the same as the opening through an ordinary switch cover and with the depressing and raising lugs arranged identically as described above. Two of these lugs 51, 52, project below the surface of the plate and the other two lugs 53, 5 1, pro ect on the opposite side of the plate. It is obvious that upon rotation of the ring 13, its lugs' 36, 37, when engaging the lugs 51, 52, will force the ring through the plate in one direction and when engaging the lugs 53, 54s, the ring will be forced through the plate in the opposite direction.

The improved switch button is particularly well adapted for use in connection with such a flush plate as above described and has unusual advantages when used with such a plate. Flush plates are ordinarily of high finish, and it is practically impossible to secure indications through a sight opening in the plate without disfigurement. Furthermore, there is the objection of not having a dust tight structure where such sight openings are used.

Obviously the various details of the device might be varied and modified without departing from the spirit or intent of the' invention, and the indications as heretofore stated might be made in various ways, by

/ different colors, by different words or by a combination of colors and words. Further- ,more, the surface of he indicating plate responding position of the switch parts.

What I claim as my invention and desire i to secure by Letters Patent is l. A switch handle provided with means of attachment to a switch mechanism and inclosing a movable indicator. for indicating the position of the switch parts, and operative connections for moving said indicator upon movement of the switch parts.

2. A switch handle having means of attachment to a switch mechanism and inclosing an automatically actuated indicator and inter'engaging mechanical connections intermediate the switch mechanism and indicator for movin said indicator upon changes of position 0 the switch mechanism.

3. A switch handle provided with means of attachment to a switch mechanism and provided with a movable indicator borne within and inclosed by the button, and automatic means for moving said indicator upon predetermined movements of the button and switch mechanism.

4. A switch handle having means of attachment to a switch mechanism and provided with an interiorly arranged pivoted indicator," and means intermediate said pivoted indicator and switch mechanism for controlling the movements and position of the indicator.

5. A switch handle provided with a housin having means of attachment to the switch mechanism, an indicator lever pivoted within said housing, and operative connections intermediate said pivoted indicator lever and switch mechanism for controlling the movements of the former dependent upon the position of the latter.

6. A switch handle having a housing provided with means of attachment to a switch mechanism, a pivoted indicator member mounted in said housing, an actuating member operatively connected therewith and dependent therefrom, an actuating ring operatlvely mounted to move said actuatlng memher and indicator, and means cooperatlng therewith for moving said parts upon a rotation of the handle and switch mechanism.

7 A switch handle having a sight opening ment to a switch mechanism, an indicator operatively mounted in said housing, operative connections extending beyon houslng for controlling the position oi and d the indicator dependent upon the movement of the switch mechanism.

9. A switch handle inclosing a housing, said housing formed from sheet metal bent to shape, and providing a means of attach- -ment.to a switch fmechanism, an indicator operatively mounted in said housing, and operative connections extending beyond said housing for controlling the position of the indicator dependent upon the movement of the switch mechanism.

10. A switch handle having an interior chamber and a sight opening connecting therewith, a movable indicator operatively.

mounted within said chamber and with reterence tosaid sight opening, and means for automatically moving said indicator.

11. In combination with a switch mechanism, a switch handle having means of attachment thereto, within the switch handle, an actuating yoke connected therewith, an actuating ring up purtenant to said yoke and operativeiy connected with the switch mechanlsm to rotate therewith, a cover for said switch mecha JOHN A. YQRK.

Vitnesses I Gno. .V. R-rrnny, JOHN SILL.

an indicator pivoted 

